BREAKING: Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Resigns, Eyes Oyo Governorship, Proposes Sweeping Energy Sector Reform

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Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally resigned from office, signaling a major political shift as he prepares to contest the Oyo State governorship election.

In a resignation letter dated April 22 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his exit will take effect on April 30, 2026, in compliance with the amended Electoral Act, which bars serving public office holders from participating in elections.

The development was confirmed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, who said the minister expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege and a chance to contribute to national development.

Adelabu disclosed that his ambition to govern Oyo State dates back to 2016, during his tenure as Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria, noting that his resignation is a necessary step toward actualising that goal.

In his letter, the outgoing minister highlighted key achievements recorded during his time in office, particularly the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised Nigeria’s electricity market and improved the investment climate in the sector. He stated that peak power generation exceeded 6,000 megawatts, driven by the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and the rehabilitation of several thermal power stations.

He also pointed to improvements in transmission capacity through grid upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative, as well as progress in the distribution segment, including stronger regulatory oversight, increased revenue collection, and reductions in Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses.

Adelabu further noted that efforts to close the country’s metering gap gained traction through initiatives such as the Presidential Metering Programme and the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. On the financial front, he said tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring effort boosted market revenues from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, helping restore investor confidence.

Despite these gains, the minister acknowledged lingering challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.

As part of his exit recommendations, Adelabu proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee and harmonise Nigeria’s power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors. He argued that such a position would strengthen policy coordination, improve gas supply for power generation, optimise hydroelectric resources, and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy.

He also pledged to ensure a smooth transition process before leaving office at the end of April.

Adelabu’s resignation is expected to reshape the political landscape in Oyo State while raising fresh questions about the continuity and direction of Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reforms.